- One of the 17 goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the eradication of hunger
- An initiative launched in June sees China and Africa cooperating in the rice value chain
Rice is a staple food item or an alternative food crop for many Africans. But many African countries depend on rice imports to meet their consumption needs. An initiative between Chinese and African organisations launched in June could substantially improve Africa’s rice production.
For many years, China has successfully grown its rice industry, gaining extensive experience in seed varieties, technology and machinery. Africa could benefit from China’s knowledge as Africans need to introduce high-yield varieties and improve their production and processing technologies.
China and Africa have launched an initiative in which China will assist Africa to upgrade its value chain and transform its rice industry. Africa has the land available for high yield rice cultivation; it just needs the skills that China has to offer.
In Mozambique alone, there are around 36 million hectares of arable land and a long history of rice cultivation. But the country has serious challenges in technology, financing and infrastructure.
Seven organisations signed the initiative: China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchange, China National Hybrid Rice Research and Development Center, African Union, United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, United Nations for Food Program, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa.
The signatories agreed to strengthen cooperation in the rice value chain between Africa and China to help Africa solve its problems related to rice production.
If Africa can solve some of its agricultural problems to increase rice production, this will play a part in the continent reaching the sustainable development goal of eradicating hunger by 2030.
Read more here:
http://www.china.org.cn/world/2019-07/19/content_75010385.htm
